SuperJohnG
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Everything posted by SuperJohnG
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This is the bit the forum misses I think. Everything is very exacting for the required heat load. My house, with a single zone, 7kW ASHP on WC with a room thermostat performs pretty much perfectly...I don't need a stove...but I'd sure like to add one for those days. We didn't add one as it'd probably bring in more cold then good.
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Timber Frame with no blockwork - any downsides?
SuperJohnG replied to North Coast Self Builder's topic in Timber Frame
We've 220mm thick roof panels with 50mm PIR internally. Plus most of that building is vaulted it works very well. One regret is that the steel portal frame is badly designed and causes a bridge but hindsight is a wonderful thing. -
Timber Frame with no blockwork - any downsides?
SuperJohnG replied to North Coast Self Builder's topic in Timber Frame
I've a SIPS house with renderboard (Knauff Aquapanel) and K rend TC15 finish. Lovely walls with no expansion beads or unsightly breathers. 20m run on 1 wall...looks mega. Zero brickwork. Noise is a zero issue. Feels solid always, there was a very slight vibration when we had an Uber storm (90+mph winds) but that's all I'd say. You probably wouldn't have that in a block work house. We had no issues with getting a lender, we are with Barclays and house insurance and structural warranty no issue. SIPS is stiffer than purely timber framed so that may be less solid but I'm not sure. Self_build_ayrshire on Instagram if you want a look. -
Smart meter external aerial last ditch attempt?
SuperJohnG replied to SuperJohnG's topic in Consumer Units, RCDs, MCBOs
Just an update. I had the third meter installed a few weeks back. All works now, SMS replaced it with an Octopus one (Kaifa brand) same type of comms hub but all fine now and working. Now I can access smart tariffs but need to decide between flux and go as we get an EV soon. -
Shelly EM basic clamp units, cloud connected. I've had zero reliability issues...I would highly recommend them. Think it was like 50 or 80 quid for the Shelly meter and two clamps which were 100A and a 20A.
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I'd say so. Here's my main consumption and my ASHP for the 20th November. Others skew it up to 23 quid cos of the Lazy spa...
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I've not read it all (but I will) We have a 7kW Vailliant arotherm,West of Scotland temps (so mildish). 5.1 CoP on heating (which I was surprised too see the other day) 3.7 on DHW. Which is set to 52 degrees and reheats straight away. On curve 0.6. One zone, no buffer straight off WC. Works like a dream literally not touched since we moved in May 2023.
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Smart meter external aerial last ditch attempt?
SuperJohnG replied to SuperJohnG's topic in Consumer Units, RCDs, MCBOs
I was told by the smart guy the companies this, but that can only be done in England for their commitment system. The whole house has 50mm PIR internally..likely the issue. Good to know. Are you guys in Scotland or England,? You check on the citizens advice website. -
I've a smart meter, it's actually my second and the third time they ve come out to try to get it to connect to no avail. I'm being told it's just the reception is crap or where the meter is in the house (We've terrible mob reception indoors too,So I assume SIPS houses are just like that). Our neighbours 400m up the hill works fine. It means I can't access Octopuses smart tariff for heat pumps and my Givevergy stuff and I've just ordered an EV and I cant get the nice 7p/kWh to charge it I have to pay the 23p/kWh. I'm in Scotland so it's on the DCC. Has anyone done this or similar? https://anengineersview.tech.blog/smets2-is-there-anybody-there/
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Smart Meters and Preparation for Eventual EV Charger
SuperJohnG replied to MJNewton's topic in Consumer Units, RCDs, MCBOs
I would second this. Total pain. -
Welcome
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Proposed network initial cable plan
SuperJohnG replied to CalvinHobbes's topic in Networks, AV, Security & Automation
I'd install no more than 1 at each TV point. You really don't need them. I'd add an outdoor one for an wifi access point.. -
Actual water temperature from the tap?
SuperJohnG replied to puntloos's topic in Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
Is it a mixer on the bath? Turn the basin and bath to hot and see If they feel the same. If it is a mixer on the bath chances are someone has had the tap off it and it's not been replaced right. I've 52 degrees set on my tank, the bath (uninsulated pipe- there is very little point insulating hot pipe) is say 10m of pipe away, it is too hot to hold my hand under really at full hot. -
I had my plumber install it...2k labour, plus 2.5k for the MCS cert after I got the grant. In reality I was around 5k after VAT reclaim for all the ASHP and tank (which I bought) and plumbing bits I bought. But in doing so, and getting an MCS install, I got a 9k grant. Quick maths will tell everyone for 500 quid, I done no work, had a really good install and got a reliable well functioning system (7kW Vaillant arotherm unit). Not all MCS installs are bad.
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Solar panels without batteries
SuperJohnG replied to Russell griffiths's topic in Photovoltaics (PV)
Get a Givenergy battery that goes outside? PV with battery just makes sense. Also make sense of fires and there actual causes, when linked to batteries. -
Make the loops tighter and more loops, you can always run at a lower temp and pipe is cheap.
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best UVC/diverter set-up to maximise PV use
SuperJohnG replied to Tom's topic in Boilers & Hot Water Tanks
I've a borehole, you need treatment and sterilisation. It may not have done you any harm that you know of, but drinking water untreated, and unfiltered could be problematic in the long term heavy metals, high levels of sodium, phosphates etc. Get a sample tested, then put in the correct treatment for your supply. As a minimum..get a UV steriliser. Depth and location have no bearing on it really. -
Vat reclaim time
SuperJohnG replied to SuperJohnG's topic in Self Build VAT, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), S106 & Tax
Just as an update - they accepted my PV solar invoice as additional and are paying it. Fairly straightforward process, which I'm pleased with. -
It will via the battery. It's also limited by the battery output and storage, its not necessary a low power only output.
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I know what you mean, Givenergy instructions give you the pros and cons. E.g. Doc also attached. EPS Configuration v2.pdf
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Get a trade account with midsummer wholesale. Anyone can get that price.
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Getting an MCS installed ASHP makes sense, BTW if you are rural you get 9k from the Scottish government. Solar panels, not so sure - its only 2500 back from the government. I paid (two weeks ago) 6700 Inc Vat, for a 7kWp array, givenergy 5kW gen 3 inverter, 9.5kWh battery, tigo optimisers for all panels (16-off) a solar iboost and buddy and all the rails and other stuff from midsummer wholesale. I can claim the VAT for it, so really £5583 for the system. Two days for the sparks (who are in the process of getting MCS approved). Say 6-700 quid. I'll have a fully installed system.
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Vat reclaim time
SuperJohnG replied to SuperJohnG's topic in Self Build VAT, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), S106 & Tax
When I started 3 years ago, that didn't exist. Had I known I would have. I'd pdf'd all the invoices (440 of them) and printed them off but had to remove some, then realised at the last second it could be done online. Doh.